U.S. Commends Nigerian Troops' 'War On Terror' Operations

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Nigerian troops have continued their counter-terrorism operations against members of the Boko Haram terrorist group that have attacked communities in the northeast and cities in some other states in the last 7 years.

The American government has commended Nigerian troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and their families for their efforts and sacrifices in counter-terrorism operations in the northeast.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Steward Symington, gave the commendation when he visited the headquarters of the Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

He was optimistic that the war on terror could be won, but stressed that the military needed the support of Nigerians to totally win the war against members of the Boko Haram sect that had launched different terror attacks in the past 7 years.

Ambassador Symington also wants Nigerians to take the lead in loving and caring for their country, stressing that such love would make citizens of other countries follow suit.

At a meeting with the Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, the leader of the troops expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States military for its support and partnership with the Nation’s Military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.

Giving insight into their operations, he told the U.S. ambassador that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole had made tremendous success in combating the insurgents.

Their efforts had helped in liberating areas that were held by the dissident group in early 2015.

“Currently, no Local Government in the north east is under control of the insurgents,” he stated.

Fleeing insurgents have resorted to attacking soft targets, with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) strapped to the bodies of vulnerable women, young girls and boys. The military had earlier warned Nigerians that the terrorists would resort to suicide bombing following their decimation.

According to the head of the operations, efforts are on to check activities of suicide bombers.

Continuous awareness and sensitisation campaign are current on, he said, expressing optimism that it will enlighten members of the public and shore up their security consciousness.

The Commander urged all mobilisation and sensitisation agencies of the Nigerian government to collaborate with the military in its awareness and enlightenment campaign, to end Boko Haram suicide attacks.

He reiterated the unwavering resolve of the officers and men of Operation Lafiya Dole to ensure that insurgency in the North East becomes a thing of the past.